The Broncos announced that they have placed linebacker Nate Irving on IR. To fill his spot, Denver has claimed rookie linebacker Todd Davis off waivers, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com (on Twitter).

Irving suffered a knee injury earlier this month and while the early prognosis was promising, it was apparently more severe than once thought. Irving made four starts in 2013, when he played mainly sam linebacker, and started in each of his eight games this season at middle linebacker. The 26-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent after this season.

Davis, an undrafted Sacramento State product, spent most of the season on the Saints’ taxi squad but saw three games on the NFL roster. He was waived yesterday but he didn’t have to wait long to find his next gig. Davis is a depth signing and Mike Klis of The Denver Post notes that the Broncos are expected to stick with Steven Johnson as their starting MLB with fifth-round rookie Lamin Barrow also in the mix. Davis was let go by New Orleans yesterday in a series of moves that included the signing of running back Brian Leonard.